Emails Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Connection
In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.
The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".
Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing helper".
These exchanges were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.
The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and places mentioned.
For example, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.
Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment.
Epstein's Assurance to Bannon
Bannon served as the president's closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.
He has admitted he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - early next year."
But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.
A few days before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".
Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".
Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."
UK Politics Mentioned in Exchanges
The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.
On the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Mogg."
Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…"
Epstein advised Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others get the commitment of your follow-up."
Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to take charge".
May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.
A representative for the political party told media: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.
The US House of Representatives will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.
Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.
A portion of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was first arrested.